Reference To Related Application
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of application serial no. 09/059,748 filed
April 14, 1998 entitled "Flexible Center Drain Pan For Railroad Track"; which is a
continuation in part of application serial no. 08/643,014 filed May 2, 1996 entitled
"Railroad Track Collector Pan System", now Patent No. 5,782,405 dated July 21, 1998.
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a system for collecting liquid spillage inadvertently spilled
along a railroad track primarily from the filling or emptying of railway tank cars
or the fueling of locomotives.
Background of the Invention
[0003] The system includes a plurality of center pans and side pans supported on the crossties
of the railway track for the draining of any liquid spillage from the pans into an
enclosed transverse drain conduit positioned between a pair of crossties beneath the
rails for flow into a collection container. Heretofore, a pan collection structure
for a railway track has been provided utilizing center pans between the rails and
side pans outside the rails. The pans heretofore have been supported on crossties
and drain into a transverse drain conduit positioned between a pair of crossties beneath
the pans.
[0004] For example, U.S. patent no. 4,300,721 dated November 17, 1981 shows a system for
collecting liquid spillage having a plurality of center pans and side pans. Vertical
drain conduits extend from the pans into an enclosed transverse drain conduit for
drainage. The transverse drain conduit empties into a collection receptacle. While
the pans are formed of a molded plastic material, separate vertical drains are connected
to the bottom of the pans. Further, while side edges of the pans are positioned adjacent
the vertical web of the rails, a separate caulking material is used to provide sealing
against the rails. The rigid vertical drain conduits are threaded into openings in
the pans and in the enclosed transverse drain conduit.
[0005] U.S. Patent No. 5,435,458 dated July 25, 1995 shows a spill containment device for
railroads in which slidable covers are positioned over center pans for closing the
center pans when not required to be open to contain a potential spill. Foldable hinged
panels are utilized for closing the outer field pans.
[0006] It is desired that a closed system for the collection of liquid spillage on a railroad
track be provided that may be installed in a minimum of time with sealing against
the rails.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] The present invention is directed to a system for collecting spillage on a railway
track including the apparatus or structure positioned on the crossties beneath railway
cars and the method for installing such a collection structure between the rails and
outwardly of the rails. The collection structure includes a plurality of center and
side pans molded to shape from a resilient plastic material, such as high density
polyethylene. The resilient center pans between rails have a pair of upwardly extending
inclined side flanges which fit beneath the heads of the rails in sealing relation
with the rails without any additional sealing members. A downwardly extending tubular
drain pipe is molded onto each pan and fits within an enclosed transverse drain conduit
positioned between a pair of crossties beneath the rails. The transverse drain conduit
has an upper opening receiving each vertical drain pipe and a resilient annular seal
about the upper opening receives the vertical drain pipe to provide a resilient sealing
relation and to position the pans accurately.
[0008] The outer ends of the pans in one transverse row have outwardly extending end flanges
which lap end flanges on an adjacent transverse row of pans arranged in end to end
relation. Fasteners connect the lapping end flanges of adjacent transverse rows together
to permit limited relative longitudinal movement which may result from temperature
expansion or contraction, for example.
[0009] The pans forming this invention may be installed and assembled in a minimum of time.
A preferred assembly method includes the insertion of center pans between the rails
with one resilient side flange positioned beneath the rail against the vertical web
of the rail under the head of the rail with the pan being inclined upwardly from the
rail. The inclined pan is then pivoted downwardly with the bottom of the center pan
resting against the crossties and the opposite resilient side flange in contact relation
with the upper surface of the rail. Next, the opposite resilient side flange is forced
by a suitable tool downwardly beneath the head of the rail where it snaps outwardly
against the vertical web of the rail in sealing relation thereto. A downwardly extending
integral drain pipe molded on each of the pans is vertically aligned with the lower
receiving opening in the transverse drain conduit for initial positioning of the center
pan accurately with the transverse drain conduit. An annular resilient seal is positioned
within the opening of the drain conduit to receive the vertical drain pipe in sealing
relation.
[0010] In some instances, it may be desirable to position the center pan on the crossties
with the bottom of the center pan supported on the crossties and both of the resilient
side flanges in engagement with the upper surface of the rails. Then, each of the
resilient side flanges may be forced or pushed beneath the head of the adjacent rail
for snapping beneath the head of the adjacent rail in sealing relation with the vertical
web of the rail.
[0011] Each of the side pans has a resilient side flange in sealing relation with the vertical
web of the adjacent rail. Fasteners are provided to secure the side pans to the crossties
and to permit limited expansion and contraction thereof. Ballast on an outwardly extending
lower flange or foot of the side flange assists in maintaining the side pan in sealing
relation against the rail.
[0012] One embodiment of the invention provides removable covers for closing the center
and field pans when the pans are not required to be open to contain a potential spill.
The center cover has opposed side flanges which provide longitudinal flow channels
and also fit beneath the heads of the adjacent rails. Another embodiment of the invention
provides removable covers for pans including side flanges which provide longitudinal
flow channels and have spouts for the drainage of fluids from the flow channels. Slidable
covers without spouts are also provided for opening of the pans.
[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following
specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
Figure 1 is a plan view of a pan system including two rows of molded plastic pans
in accordance with the present invention positioned on a railway track for collecting
spillage from tank cars and locomotives, each row including a center pan between the
rails and a pair of side pans outside the rails;
Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along line 2-2 of Figure 1
and showing one end of a molded center plastic pan installed on the railroad track
between the rails;
Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 of Figure 1
and showing an opposite end of the center pan shown in Figure 2 with a vertical drain
pipe received within a transverse drain conduit;
Figure 4 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken generally along line 4-4
of Figure 1 and showing a pair of center pans connected in end to end lapping relation
and having integral molded drain pipes extending downwardly from the bottom of the
center pans into a transverse drain conduit, the intermediate portion of each pan
being omitted;
Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a plurality of center pans shown in a
vertically stacked relation for storage or transport;
Figure 6 is a section taken generally along line 6-6 of Figure 1 and showing an upper
end of a side panel;
Figure 7 is a section taken generally along line 7-7 of Figure 1 and shows the lower
drain end of the end panel shown in Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment in which removable resilient
covers are positioned over the side and center pans with drain spouts in side flanges
of the covers extending through aligned openings in the pans for drainage into the
ballast;
Figure 9 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a sectional view illustrating installation of the cover for the center
pans; and
Figure 11 is a perspective of another embodiment in which a removable cover without
spouts is positioned over the center pan and provides a flow channel along each side
of the cover for fluid flow into the ballast, the cover being mounted for sliding
movement for opening the lower center pan.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention is directed to a pan system for collecting liquid spillage
on a railroad track. As shown particularly in Figure 1, two adjacent transverse rows
of drain pans are shown including a pair of center pans generally indicated at 10
arranged in an end to end relation between rails 12 of the railroad track and a pair
of side pans generally indicated at 14 arranged in end to end relation along the outer
side of each rail 12. Each rail 12 as shown particularly in Figures 2 and 3 includes
an upper head or ball 16, a vertical web 18, and a lower base 20. Lower base 20 is
mounted on tie plates 22 supported on crossties 24. Crossties 24 are mounted on ballast
26 normally comprising crushed rock.
[0016] Pans 10 and 14 are formed of a molded lightweight plastic material, preferably high
density polyethylene, having a thickness of preferably about ¼ inch to provide flexibility
and resilience. Pans 10 and 14 formed of a lightweight material may be easily stacked
vertically for storage or transport prior to installation on a railroad track such
as shown in Figure 5 for center pans 10. Also, relatively long length pans such as
fifteen (15) feet in length, function in a satisfactory manner. Thus, each row shown
in Figure 1 may have a length of fifteen (15) feet.
[0017] For the collection of liquid spillage from pans 10 and 14, an enclosed transverse
drain conduit generally indicated at 28 in Figures 3,4, and 7 is positioned between
a pair of crossties 24 beneath the drainage end of pans 10 and 14 to receive the liquid
spillage from pans 10 and 14. Conduit 28 is of a rectangular cross section having
a sloping lower wall 30 and an upper wall 32. Upper wall 32 has an opening 34 for
each of pans 10 and 14 to receive the liquid spillage from pans 10 and 14. The extending
lower sloping end of transverse drain conduit 28 is connected to a catch basin 35
having a longitudinal drain pipe 36 which extends to a collection facility or container
(not shown). If desired, catch basin 35 may be omitted with drain pipe 36 connected
directly to an end of drain conduit 28.
Center Pan
[0018] Each center pan 10 of a molded plastic construction is resilient and includes a bottom
40, a pair of opposed sides 42, and a flexible resilient upper side flange or lip
44 extending laterally outwardly from each side 42. Pan bottom 40 is supported on
the upper surface of crossties 24 and has a plurality of molded ribs to provide flow
channels for pan 10 and to reinforce pan 10. As shown particularly in Figures 2-4,
raised rib sections 46 at the upper end 45 of center pan 10 as shown in Figure 2 slope
downwardly to the lower opposed end 47 of pan 10 for the drainage of liquid from upper
end 45 to lower end 47. Main flow channels 48 along bottom 40 are provided adjacent
raised rib sections 46. Rib sections 46 have ribs or corrugations 50 defining shallow
flow channels 52 therebetween. Rib sections 46 for pan 10 having a length of fifteen
(15) feet have a slope of between about one (1) and (2) inches from upper end 45 to
lower end 47. Flow channels 48 as shown in Figure 2 adjacent upper end 45 are deep
and are shallow adjacent lower end 47 as shown in Figure 3. Thus, the depth of flow
channels 48 progressively decreases from end 45 to end 47. Flow channels 52 remain
at a constant depth between ends 45 and 47. Flow channels 48 and 52 are effective
in the drainage of solid particles, such as sand, from pan 10. Each molded center
pan 10 has an integral downwardly extending drain pipe 54 defining an inset annular
shoulder 56 to receive in supporting relation a metal grate 58. Drain pipe 54 tapers
in a downward direction and is flexible to facilitate fitting within a vertically
aligned opening 34 in transverse drain conduit 28.
[0019] To provide a fluid tight fitting between vertical drain pipe or tube 54 and transverse
drain conduit 28, an elastomeric sealing sleeve 60 is mounted within opening 34 to
receive in sealing relation the lower end of vertical drain pipe 54. Sleeve 60 has
an annular shoulder 62 that fits about opening 34 and contacts in sealing relation
the upper surface of to upper wall 32 of transverse drain conduit 28. The resilience
of sleeve 60 and tapered drain pipe 54 provide an effective sealing relation.
[0020] In the installed position, resilient side flanges or lips 44 are positioned in sealing
relation against vertical web 18 beneath head 16 of the adjacent rail 12 generally
at the juncture of vertical web 18 with head 16. No additional separate sealing elements
are required between center pan 10 and rails 12. As shown in Figure 4, each end 45,
47 has an extending upper end flange 64 which laps an adjacent flange 64 of an adjacent
center pan 10. Aligned elongate slots 66 are provided in lapping flanges 64 and fasteners
68 having resilient washers fit within aligned slots 66 and are tightened to hold
flanges 64 together at ends 45 and 47. Slots 66 permit limited temperature expansion
and contraction of adjacent center pans 10 of about one (1) inch.
Installation of Center Pan
[0021] Center pans 10 may be easily installed between rails 12 in a minimum of time. Transverse
drain conduit 28 with sleeves 60 within openings 34 is positioned between a pair of
crossties 24 with one crosstie 24 removed to provide adequate space for transverse
drain conduit 28. A preferred installation method as shown partially in Figure 2 in
broken lines comprises the positioning of one resilient side flange 44 beneath the
head 16 of an adjacent rail 12 with pan 10 inclined upwardly at about a thirty (30)
degree angle to the adjacent rail 12. Vertical drain pipe 54 is initially aligned
vertically with an associated opening 34 and sealing sleeve 60. Then, the center pan
10 is pushed downwardly with the bottom 40 of pan 10 supported on the upper surface
of the crossties 24 and pipe 54 received within resilient sleeve 60 in sealing relation.
In this position, the opposed resilient side flange 44 is in contact with the upper
surface of head 16 of the other rail 12 as shown in broken lines in Figure 2 and is
forced upwardly by the upper surface of head 16. Next, the opposed resilient side
flange 44 is forced downwardly past head 16 by a workman with a suitable tool where
it snaps outwardly into sealing engagement with vertical web 18 generally at the juncture
of vertical web 18 with head 16. Elongate slots 66 in lapping end flanges 64 of adjacent
center pans 10 as shown in Figure 4 are aligned and fasteners 68, such as suitable
nut and bolt combinations with resilient washers, are installed to connect adjacent
center pans 10 together in end to end relation. Another method of installing center
pan 10 comprises the aligning of drain pipe 54 with sleeve 60 and the pushing or forcing
of center pan 10 downwardly onto crossties 24 between rails 12 without inclining center
pan 10 so that both side flanges 44 contact the upper surface of adjacent heads 16
and are held thereon. Both resilient side flanges 44 may then be forced beneath heads
16 by a workman with a suitable tool for snapping of side flanges 44 into sealing
position beneath heads 16.
Side Pans
[0022] Side pans 14 shown in Figures 6 and 7 are installed after center pans 10 are installed.
Each side pan 14 has a bottom 72 and raised rib sections 74. Main flow channels 76
are provided between raised rib sections 74 which slope downwardly from an upper end
77 shown in Figure 6 to a lower end shown in Figure 7. An integral drain tube or pipe
78 extends downwardly from bottom 72 for fitting within an elastomeric sealing sleeve
60 in a manner similar to outer pan 10. Grate 79 is supported on drain pipe 78.
[0023] An inner side 80 has an extending side flange 82 which fits beneath head 16 in sealing
relation generally at the juncture of head 16 and vertical web 18. Drain tube or pipe
78 is positioned for urging side flange 82 into sealing relation with head 16 at the
lower end of side pan 14 when drain pipe 78 is received within sealing sleeve 60.
Also, bottom 72 has elongate slots 81 receiving lag screws 83 and washers which are
secured to the crossties 24. An outer channel-shaped side 86 of side pan 14 has an
extending lower flange 88 covered with ballast to assist in maintaining side pan 14
in sealing position against head 16 of the adjacent rail 12.
[0024] Each side pan 14 has an upper end flange at each end thereof which is adapted to
be positioned and secured in lapping relation to a mating end flange on an adjacent
side pan 14 in a manner similar to lapping flanges 64 secured by fasteners 68 as shown
in Figure 4 for center pan 10. Side pans 14 are arranged in transversely aligned position
with center panel 10. For installation, resilient side flange 82 is pushed manually
tightly against the junction of head 16 and vertical web 18 of adjacent rail 12 with
drain pipe 78 aligned vertically with seal 60. Then, downwardly extending drain pipe
78 is lowered within elastomeric sealing sleeve 60 in transverse drain conduit 28.
Ballast is then positioned over extending flange 88 and lag screws 83 with washers
are inserted in the crossties through suitable elongate slots 81 in bottom 72 of side
pan 14. The lag screws 83 are received within a relatively small elongated slot so
that limited expansion and contraction of side panel 14 less than about one (1 ) inch
is provided. In some instances, lag screws 83 may be omitted. Spikes 85 are provided
for flange 88 and are of a length of about eight (8) inches for extending within ballast
26 for securement of side pans 14.
[0025] The arrangement of the rib sections in center panel 10 and side panel 14 provides
longitudinal flow channels for the fluid and also solid particles carried by the fluid.
Sand is oftentimes deposited into pans 10 and 14 and the arrangement of the longitudinally
extending flow channels permits the sand to drain easily into the end drain tube.
Heretofore, particularly for flat pans, sand has tended to deposit in various locations
of the flat pans. The molded plastic pans 10 and 14 formed preferably of polyethylene
provides a substantial resilience and flexibility. Vertical drain pipes which are
molded with the pans fit within resilient sleeves in the transverse drain conduit
and this permits the track to move relative to the transverse conduit. The limited
flexure or movement of the drain pans relative to the transverse drain conduit is
important since the operation of a train on the rails causes a vertical pumping action
which may be transmitted to the drain pans and cause some movement of the drain pans.
As a result of the elastomeric sleeves and the resilient drain pipes received therein,
movement of the drain pans and the track is not transmitted to the enclosed lower
transverse drain conduit and a substantially liquid tight seal is maintained between
the pans and the rails as well as the transverse drain conduit. While the drain conduit
has been illustrated in the drawings as positioned at an end of the drain pans, it
is apparent that the downward extending drain tube or pipe may be positioned at other
locations such as the center of the drain pan, for example. Further, in some instances,
it may be desirable to have a single transverse drain conduit for each row of pans.
As the plastic material from which the pans are molded, such as high density polyethylene,
may be of a thickness of around 1/4 inch, the drain pans may be of a relatively long
length, such as fifteen (15) feet in length and yet be lightweight. This would permit
the easy stacking of vertical pans and side pans for shipment or for storage. Other
moldable materials may be suitable for the drain pans such as fiberglass.
[0026] Where a single transverse drain conduit is utilized for adjacent transverse pairs
of side and center pans arranged in end to end relation as shown in the drawings,
it may be desirable to remove a crosstie to permit a relatively wide transverse drain
conduit to fit beneath the pans between a pair of adjacent crossties. It is desirable
that the pans for installation and transport not be undesirably flexible and the ribbed
construction provides reinforcement against bending or flexure particularly in a transverse
direction. Likewise, the ends and sidewalls of the pans provide resistance against
undue bending or flexure of the pans.
Embodiment of Figures 8 - 10
[0027] An embodiment shown in Figures 8 - 10 is directed to a removable cover or lid generally
indicated at 90 for fitting over lower center pan 10. Center pan 10 is identical to
center pan 10 in the embodiment of Figures 1-7 to include a bottom 40, a pair of opposed
sides 42 and a flexible resilient upper side flange or lip 44 extending laterally
outwardly from each side 42. For installation of center pan 10, one side flange 44
is preferably positioned beneath head 16 of one rail 12 and the other opposed side
flange 44 is forced downwardly past head 16 of the other rail 12 snapping beneath
head 16 against vertical web 18.
[0028] Center cover or lid 90 has an upper arcuate body 92 and a trough generally indicated
at 94 along each side thereof defining a fluid flow passage. Trough 94 is defined
by a downwardly extending generally vertical side 96, a bottom 98, and an upwardly
extending outer flange 100 inclined outwardly for fitting beneath head 16 of rail
12. Bottom 98 contacts and is supported on side flange 44 of center pan 10. A drain
spout 102 extends downwardly from bottom 98 and is mounted at a location about 1/2
the length of trough 94. Trough 94 slopes downwardly from each end of cover 90 to
spout 102. Side flange 44 of the subjacent center pan 10 has an opening 101 to receive
spout 102. Adjacent lids or covers 10 are arranged in end to end relation and may
have mating lapping end flanges for minimizing liquid drainage thereat into the lower
closed center pan 10.
[0029] Rain water drains from opposed ends of cover 90 downwardly to spouts 102 for discharge
through lower flange 44 into the ballast between the crossties. Since covers 90 are
formed of a resilient material, such as high density polyethylene, lids 90 may be
removed from center pan 10 by forcing flange 100 on one trough 34 inwardly for clearing
head 16 of rail 12 thereby permitting the removal of covers 92 so that access to center
pan 10 is provided as is desired for loading and unloading railway tank cars and fueling
locomotives on rails 12 over center pans 10. Rain water easily flows along troughs
90 for discharge from spouts 102 into the ballast adjacent the ends of troughs 90.
[0030] Side pans 14 are shown in Figures 8 and 9 and side covers 104 are shown for side
pans 14. Side pans 14 have channel-shaped sides 86 and side flanges 82. Covers 104
have a trough 106 on one side adjacent rail 12 with a spout 108 extending downwardly
therefrom. The other side 110 is supported on channel 86. A lip 112 fits against the
side of channel-shaped side 86 to urge inner side flanges of covers 104 into engagement
with adjacent rail 12. Drain pipes 78 on outer pans 14 and drain pipe 54 on center
pan 10 extend within transverse drain conduit 28.
Modification of Figure 11
[0031] A modified lid or cover 90A is shown in Figure 11 for fitting over a subjacent center
pan 10. Cover 90A has an upper arcuate body 92A and a trough generally indicated at
94A along each side thereof to form a fluid flow passage. Trough 94A has an inner
side 96A, a bottom 98A, and an upwardly extending outer flange 100A inclined outwardly
for fitting beneath head 16 of rail 12.
[0032] To open center pans 10, particularly for loading and unloading tank cars or fueling
locomotives, covers 90A may be removed from center pan 10 by sliding along flanges
44 of center pan 10. Covers 90A may be positioned on the crossties after removal from
pans 10 to permit drainage from railway cars or locomotives directly into center pans
10. If desired, lids 90A may be removed by forcing lips 100A from beneath head 10
of rail 12 since cover 90A is formed of a resilient material such as high density
polyethylene. Sides 94A are provided with a desired slope for adequate drainage of
fluids along troughs 94A. Handles may be provided on covers 90A, if desired, to assist
in installation and removal of covers 90A.
[0033] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail,
it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of the preferred embodiments will
occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that
such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present
invention as set forth in the following claims.
1. A drain pan structure for causing run-off of a liquid or light solids from rail cars
supported on rails and crossties; said pan structure comprising:
a drain pan member for fitting between the rails formed of a molded plastic material
and having an integrally molded downwardly extending drain pipe;
an elongate transverse drain conduit for fitting between a pair of adjacent crossties
below said pan member and having an upper surface spaced below said pan member;
an opening in said transverse drain conduit in alignment with said drain pipe; and
resilient means within said opening receiving said drain pipe to permit limited transverse
movement between said pan member and said transverse drain conduit.
2. A drain pan structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said resilient means comprises
an elastomeric sleeve positioned within said opening about said drain pipe for sealing
thereabout and to permit limited flexure of said drain pan member.
3. A drain pan structure as set forth in claim 2 wherein said drain pipe has an upwardly
facing shoulder adjacent the bottom of said pan member and a grate is positioned on
said shoulder over said drain pipe.
4. A drain pan structure as set forth in claim 1 where said pan member has a plurality
of longitudinally extending ribs along the bottom of said pan member defining a plurality
of flow channels for liquid and solid materials.
5. A system for collecting liquid spillage at rail facilities having a pair of rails
supported on crossties; said system including a plurality of center pans positioned
end to end between the rails and a plurality of side pans positioned in end to end
relation along the sides of the rails, said center pans and said side pans supported
on said crossties; each of said pans having a downwardly extending integral tubular
drain and being molded to shape from a lightweight plastic material; said center pans
each having a pair of upwardly extending resilient side flanges engaging the rails
beneath the heads thereof in a sealing relation; and
an enclosed transverse drain conduit positioned between a pair of crossties beneath
the pans; said transverse conduit having an upper opening for each of said pans and
said downwardly extending tubular drains are received within the upper openings in
said transverse drains for the liquid spillage.
6. The system as set forth in claim 5 wherein a resilient annular sealing member is positioned
about each of said upper openings in said transverse drain conduit, and receives a
tubular drain for sealing about the tubular drain.
7. In combination with a pair of rails supported on crossties and ballast of a railroad
track; an improved pan collection system for collecting run-off of a liquid or light
solids spilled while unloading or loading a rail car supported on said rails and crossties;
said pan collection system comprising:
a plurality of sets of drain pan members arranged end-to-end and supported by said
crossties and ballast, each of said sets of pan members including a center pan member
positioned between said rails and outside pan members positioned respectively on opposite
sides of said rails and said center pan member;
an enclosed transverse elongate drain conduit positioned between a pair of adjacent
crossties below said pan members and having an upper surface spaced vertically from
said pan members;
said center pan member formed of a resilient material and having upwardly directed
side flanges for fitting beneath the upper heads of said pair of rails for positioning
said center pan between the rails;
a pair of spaced openings in said center pan member and said transverse drain conduit;
a drain pipe mounted between said pair of openings to provide a flow passage from
said pan members to said enclosed transverse drain conduit; and
resilient means adjacent said drain pipe to permit limited movement of said pan members
relative to said transverse drain conduit.
8. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein said resilient means comprises an
elastomeric seal positioned about said drain pipe and fitting within said vertically
aligned opening in said enclosed transverse drain conduit to provide a generally fluid
tight seal thereat.
9. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein said center pan member is formed of
a one piece homogeneous resilient material.
10. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said center pan member is formed of
a molded plastic material and said drain pipe is integrally formed with said center
pan member.
11. The combination as set forth in claim 10 wherein said center pan member is formed
of polyethylene.
12. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein said center pan has a plurality of
longitudinally extending parallel ribs therein defining flow channels between adjacent
ribs for directing the flow of fluid toward said opening in said pan members.
13. The combination as set forth in claim 12 wherein said center pan member has an upper
surface sloping downwardly from one end of said center pan member to the other opposite
end thereof, and said opening in said center pan member is positioned in said opposite
end.
14. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein adjacent center pans are positioned
in end to end relation to said first mentioned center pan, each of said center pans
having an upper end flange extending in a lapping relation to an adjacent end flange
on a contiguous center pan, and fasteners are secured to said lapping end flanges
to permit limited longitudinal movement between adjacent center pans resulting from
ambient temperature changes.
15. A method for installing a resilient center pan having a pair of upwardly extending
resilient side flanges beneath the heads of a pair of parallel rails supported on
crossties of a railway track for mounting the center pan; said method comprising the
following steps:
inserting one side flange of the center pan beneath the head of one of the rails;
pivoting the center pan downwardly against the crossties generally about said one
side flange for supporting the bottom of the pan on the crossties with the other resilient
side flange extending over and supported on the head of the other rail; and
then forcing said other resilient side flange beneath the head of the other rail for
installation of the center pan.
16. A method for installing a resilient center pan having a pair of upwardly and laterally
extending side flanges beneath the heads of a pair of parallel rails supported on
crossties of a railway track; said method comprising the following steps:
positioning the center pan on the crossties between the rails with the resilient side
flanges extending above and supported on the upper surface of the heads of said rails;
and
forcing the resilient side flanges beneath the heads of the rails with the side flanges
snapping into an installed position beneath the heads of the rails in contact with
the vertical webs thereof for mounting of the center pan.
17. A method for installing a resilient center pan formed of a one piece homogeneous resilient
material having an integral tubular drain pipe extending downwardly from the bottom
of the pan and a pair of parallel side flanges extending outwardly in an inclined
relation to the bottom of the pan, the center pan arranged for installation between
a pair of rails supported on crossties of a railway track and for draining into an
enclosed transverse drain conduit positioned between a pair of crossties and having
an upper opening to receive the tubular drain pipe of the center pan; said method
comprising the following steps:
positioning the resilient center pan on the crossties of the railway track with the
downwardly extending tubular drain pipe received within said upper opening of said
enclosed transverse drain conduit; and
positioning said resilient side flanges against the web of said rails beneath the
balls thereof for installation of said center pan between the rails.
18. The method as set forth in claim 17 wherein the step of positioning the resilient
side flanges beneath the balls of said rails includes first positioning one of said
resilient side flanges beneath the ball of one rail, then pivoting the center pan
downwardly into supporting relation on the crossties; and then forcing the other resilient
side flange beneath the ball of the other rail for installation of the center pan.
19. The method as set forth in claim 17 wherein the resilient outer pan has a laterally
extending upper flange at each end of the center pan for lapping similar flanges on
adjacent center pans in end to end relation; said method further including the step
of connecting the lapping flanges of adjacent center pans to each other to permit
limited relative longitudinal movement between adjacent center pans.
20. The method as set forth in claim 17 wherein a resilient annular sealing sleeve is
positioned about said upper opening in said enclosed transverse drain conduit; said
step of positioning the resilient center pan on the crossties of the railway track
includes positioning said downwardly extending tubular drain pipe within said resilient
sealing sleeve to provide a substantially fluid tight relation between said pan and
said enclosed transverse drain conduit.
21. A system for collecting liquid spillage at rail facilities having a pair of rails
supported on crossties; said system comprising:
a center pan supported on said crossties positioned between the rails and formed of
a resilient material, said center pan having a downwardly extending integral tubular
drain and a pair of integral upwardly extending sides engaging the rails beneath the
heads; and
an upper cover for each of said center pans formed of a resilient material and having
a pair of opposed integral sides defining longitudinally extending channels forfluid
flow, said sides of said upper cover supported on said sides of said center pan for
relative movement to remove said cover and open said center pan for the collection
of liquid spillage.
22. The system for collecting liquid spillage as defined in claim 21 wherein said sides
of said cover have upwardly extending flanges for engaging the rails beneath the heads
thereof.
23. The system for collecting liquid spillage as defined in claim 21 further comprising:
a downwardly extending spout in each of said sides of said cover; and
an opening in each subjacent flange of said center pan aligned with said spout to
permit fluid flow therethrough.
24. The system for collecting liquid spillage as defined in claim 21 further comprising
a plurality of center pans positioned in end to end relation between the rails, each
center pan having a pair of opposed sides; and
a plurality of covers positioned over said center pans, each of said covers having
a pair of opposed sides supported on said sides of said center pans and engaging the
rails beneath the heads thereof.
25. The system for collecting liquid spillage as defined in claim 24 wherein said covers
are mounted on said center pans for relative sliding movement for removal of said
covers from said center pans to open said pans for collection of liquid spillage.
26. The system of collecting liquid spillage as defined in claim 21 wherein said center
pan has a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs to provide flow channels, said
ribs defining the bottom of said center pan and engaging the crossties for being supported
thereon; said center pan and said cover thereon sloping downwardly toward an end of
said center pan for fluid flow along said sides for discharge from the end of the
center pan.
27. The system for collecting liquid spillage as defined in claim 21 wherein a side pan
is positioned on said crossties outwardly of each of rail; and an upper cover is provided
on each of said side pans.
28. The system for collecting liquid spillage as defined in claim 27 further comprising:
a downwardly extending spout in each of said covers for said side pans positioned
along the adjacent rail.
29. In combination with a pair of rails supported on crossties and ballast of a railroad
track; an improved pan collection system for collecting run-off of a liquid or light
solids spilled while unloading or loading a rail car supported on said rails and crossties;
said pan collection system comprising:
a plurality of sets of drain pan members arranged end-to-end and supported by said
crossties and ballast, each of said sets of pan members including a center pan member
positioned between said rails and outside pan members positioned respectively on opposite
sides of said rails and said center pan member;
a transverse elongate drain conduit positioned between a pair of adjacent crossties
below said pan members and having an upper surface spaced vertically from said pan
members;
said center pan member formed of a resilient material and having upwardly directed
side flanges for fitting beneath the upper heads of said pair of rails for positioning
said center pan between the rails;
a pair of aligned openings in said center pan member and said transverse drain conduit;
and
a drain pipe mounted between said pair of openings to provide a flow passage from
said center pan member to said enclosed transverse drain conduit;
said center pan having a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs for reinforcing
said center pan and to provide flow channels, said ribs defining the bottom of said
center pan and engaging the crossties for being supported thereon.
30. The combination as defined in claim 29 wherein said plurality of longitudinally extending
ribs define a plurality of deep flow channels and a plurality of shallow flow channels
between adjacent deep flow channels.
31. The combination as defined in claim 30 wherein the bottom of said center pan slopes
progressively downwardly to said drain pipe for fluid flow to said drain pipe.
32. The combination as defined in claim 30 wherein said drain pipe is positioned adjacent
one end of said center pan and the bottom of said center pan slopes progressively
downward to said drain pipe from the opposite end of said center pan.
33. The combination as defined in claim 29 further comprising:
an upper cover for said center pan having a pair of opposed resilient side flanges
forming a channel for fluid flow, said side flanges of said upper cover supported
on said side flanges of said center pan; said upper cover being removably mounted
on said side flanges of said center pan.
34. The combination as defined in claim 33, further comprising:
a downwardly extending spout in each of said flanges of said cover; and
an opening in each subjacent flange of said center pan aligned with said spout to
permit fluid flow therethrough.
35. The combination as defined in claim 33 wherein said cover is mounted on said center
pan for relatively sliding movement for removal of said cover from said center pan
to open said center pan for collection of liquid spillage.
36. The combination as defined in claim 33 wherein said resilient side flanges of said
upper cover are upwardly directed for fitting beneath the upper heads of said pair
of rails for fitting over said side flanges of said center pan.
37. The combination as defined in claim 29, further comprising:
a pair of center pans positioned between the rails in end to end relation and said
transverse drain conduit extends beneath said pair of center pans; and
a drain pipe is mounted between each center pan and the transverse drain conduit for
the flow of liquids, said center pans having said ribs sloping downwardly to the associated
drain pipes for the flow of liquids to said drain pipe.
38. The combination as set forth in claim 37 wherein said plurality of longitudinally
extending ribs defines the bottom of each center pan and forms a plurality of deep
flow channels and a plurality of shallow flow channels between the deep flow channels.